The Kehu are a very small people group living in Papua, Indonesia. Their homeland is comprised of hills and lowland swamps ranging in elevation from 100 to 1,000 meters above sea level. The exact number of Kehu is not known, but there are some dwellings along the rivers. They are the only speakers of the Kehu language.
The Kehu make a living through hunting, fishing, and gardening. They eat sago and still use stone axes. The nearby river provides their drinking water.
Kehu huts have roofing made from sago leaves and without solid walls. They do not have ready access to modern medicine or education in their language.
The Kehu are believed to practice Islam mixed with animism, similar to many other tribal groups in their area.
Although there is one Seventh-day Adventist church in the area, it is not known how many people consider themselves Christian. The Kehu people have no gospel cassettes, films, or videos in their language.
The Kehu may no longer be a distinct people group, having potentially been assimilated into another local group. Regardless, key needs include access to modern medicine and education. The Kehu language may be becoming extinct, so education in another local language or in Bahasa (the national Indonesian language) may be needed.
Pray for God's mercy on the Kehu, whether as a distinct people group or as members of another local people group.
Pray for clarity for gospel workers as to whether a separate movement effort is needed among the Kehu or whether they should be included in another church planting movement.
Pray for access to the Bible in a language they understand whether the Kehu language (translation needed) another local language, or Bahasa.
Ask God to send workers to the Kehu to share the gospel and to direct those workers to people whose hearts are open.
Scripture Prayers for the Kehu in Indonesia.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
